Kabale University is set to make history by awarding its first Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees during its upcoming graduation ceremony on Friday, October 25. The event, which will be held on the university campus, will see 1,671 students graduate across different fields of study.
During a recent press briefing ahead of the ceremony, Prof. Joy Kwesiga, the university’s vice-chancellor, described this milestone as a defining moment for the institution. She emphasized how far the university has come since its early days as a private institution, where it could only offer master’s programs.
Now, as a public university, Kabale has broadened its academic scope to include PhD programs, marking a new chapter in its growth. According to Prof. Kwesiga, this change has significantly boosted the university’s ability to attract respected academic professionals, with support from the Ugandan government.
“We are proud of how Kabale University has developed into a center for higher learning, one that can now produce graduates at the highest levels of education,” she said.
This year, the first two PhD graduates will be Caroline Murezi and Dr. Paul Turyaheebwa, both receiving degrees in Business Administration—Murezi specializing in Entrepreneurship and Turyaheebwa in Finance and Accounting. These two scholars are seen as pioneers, leading Kabale University’s pursuit of academic excellence at the PhD level.
Reflecting on her achievement, Murezi said her decision to pursue a PhD was largely motivated by the university’s transition from private to public status. “The university’s growth inspired me to push myself further and continue my education,” she shared.
Dr. Turyaheebwa used the opportunity to advocate for better public awareness of Uganda’s tax regulations. He called on the government to introduce extensive campaigns that would help taxpayers understand their rights and obligations more clearly. He also suggested that simplifying tax rules could lead to better compliance and increased revenue for the government.
As Kabale University approaches this historic graduation, it is poised to continue growing and offering advanced academic programs that will contribute to the country’s national development. This milestone marks just the beginning of the university’s journey to become a leader in higher education in Uganda.
With its ongoing efforts to empower students and shape future professionals, Kabale University is well-positioned to play a key role in Uganda’s educational landscape for years to come.
